Survived another Holiday

Yes, we made it to and from Pennsylvannia, in whole bodies and maintained our sanity.

Phew! What a drive with 2 monkeys in the back complaining about everything under the sun while you are going at erhm more or more than 65 mph and there is no rest stop in sight!

We made it there anyway. A few places to recommend:

1. Living Treasures Deer Park. http://www.ltanimapark.com/

* filled with deer, kangaroos (really!), goats and peacock roam the streets with you.

2. Butler County Fair, where we met up with our favourite clown, BUFFO the world's strongest clown, http://www.buffo.com/. Wow Mrs Buffo was there too!

One of this kids is mine, unfortunately.

3. Pymatuning Lake, Spillway.

Fish, carp that are more than a foot long, here there and everywhere, but you cannot touch any. Sure looks like good eating fish though. Buy loaves of bread from the koisk and watch the slices disappear in seconds.

4. Of course Sushi Kim at Penn Avenue at the Strip, for all we (I) can eat Korean Barbeque Buffet.

A note to spread out here:

Hat tip and kudos to our dog sitter, recall we have 4 mini-horses.

Plugging here for True Blue Home Pet Sitting, http://www.petsit.com/contentmgr/showdetails.php/id/302452/page/1

She survived our dogs, because they did not eat her, fantastic with the attention with them and very reasonable rates (considering what she has to put up with). Fully insured ladidadada... bottom line, 2 thumbs up! So the next time you need someone to watch your animals and cannot figure which of your friends to torture, please give her a call at (419) 427-2555.

Here is a section of what we do not recommend:

1. Motel 6.

** Sheesh, talk about basic accomodations. Good thing we brought our shampoo and soap. Erhm, we had to share towels!! (Next time we are head back to the Hyatt.)

2. Pymatuning Deer Park

** as compared to the Living Treasures in New Castle, this place should be shut down. The animals were left in the sun with no shade, and their enclosures were weed filled and smelled really bad. I am surprised that PETA hasnt camped out there yet.

A Starving Singaporean

Really, I am hungry. Not for the lack of food, there is plenty at home. Unfortunately the food processor is temporary out of commission, i.e., dental work. Mush diet is cruel, very cruel. Soup, porridge, pudding, very minute pieces of food, yum, how unfilling. The food network is a bad tease at the moment, definitely why I was sobbing at Emeril Live. The "Dirty Laundry" looked too good. Pain, what pain? No need for pain-killers since I have a high tolerance for pain. Hunger is measured on a different scale.
I think it should be illegal to starve a Singaporean, especially one who is a bottomless pit, perhaps even guilty of gluttony.

William Gates.

His influence is accidental yet vast, simple intentions with prosperous results. Regardless of your opinions, if you are reading this, chances are he has touched you. William Gates, aka., Bill Gates retired today from Microsoft. Cheers or jeers, he shaped the computer world.

From my early years of BASIC programing about 30 years ago, his life interests me. In Singapore a kid was intrigued by a Harvard dropout who is having fun building computers from a garage and writing programmes. This intrigued found a book on BASIC programming and spent an entire school vacation, reading and writing codes from the home library while other kids played. Who knew that kid that I admired, who only wanted to write codes on the computer, never once thought about making money, will be the richest man in the world. The bottom line, I learnt it was never for the money but do it for the heart.

Apple, UNIX or any other platforms, the point of origin for comparison is still Windows. I can go on and on and on and ignite controversies, but you can go talk amongst yourselves.

Thanks for the years Bill Gates. Way to go!!
*applause.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to Mr Dee .....eeeds
Happy Birthday to you!

And many more.

*Please don't pull me over.

*Here is some cheesecake.

Summer must be Close

Summer must be getting closer for us to enjoy these beauties in our backyard.

Introducing: President Ronald Reagan

President Reagan is a hybrid tea with thick lush petals and intense fragrance.

This is another hybrid tea named Cabana.

Blooms are pink with white streaks, the size of a coffee cup, at least my coffee cup.

Of course, the irreplaceable doggie pool.

Ahhh ... nothing says summer like the smell of wet dogs.

30 Seconds

In less than a week span, the tornado sirens went off again.

We are not taking any chances, 2 members of this household have survived too many catastrophes and disaster to know not to tempt fate. Let's see a hurricane, earthquakes, floods and tornadoes.

The clouds loomed over the backyard like a giant overlooking my shoulder, blocking any light simulating night fall. Just as I straightened my achy knees, the tornado sirens wailed. Within seconds, the dogs were in the house, the kids chased into the basement, turning off everything and grabbing blankets and pillows into the lowest level.

We stayed there for about 30 minutes, equipped with a television, pillows and blankets, we told the kids this was a camp-out. The warning lifted before long and then we began the task of breathing.

The span of 30 seconds allowance, to grab any thing or everything important.
What did I grab? Fortunately I had a waterproof bag of all our important documents and identifications. That was a 15 second dash. Looking around the immediate surrounding, I grabbed the next most important or valuable, our Penguin Jerseys. Yes I grabbed our jerseys.

What would you grab in 30 seconds?

Up Close and Personal

Buildings light up with "GO PENS"

The presentation of the Cup.

Almost Civil exchange.

Ahhh ... What else can we say.

Sooo Bummed.

I am sooo bummed

Think I am curling up

And eat all these food

With some of this beef cooking here.

Dish courtesy of Sushi Kim, located at the Strip in Pittsburgh, PA. This dish, Bulgogi Beef aka Korean BBQ Beef, feeds 4 at less than $25.00. It was an experience the troops enjoyed, fresh beef sizzling at the table. Yeap, we will be back!!

Hat tip to Sushi Kim. 8 Thumbs up!!

So Close.

The Stanley Cup could have stayed in Pittsburgh, missed just by a hair.

This guy should be covered with just black and blue.

MVP for Fleury

It way past bedtime,
You could even hear a clink from a falling dime.
Too tired were our eyes,
To keep up with the TIE!

Something score already!
Someone score already!
We are at Third overtime,
I am really losing my mind.

Enough is enough!
I am not that tough!
Turning to the stairs to end the day,
Of Course, The Penguins hit Powerplay.

Ahhh .... *bleep *bleep *bleep
I am deprived of more sleep.

Dragged my tired rear.
Next to the tv and my dear.
Sykora! Sykora! Sykora!
You are the ...er ... THE SCORER!!
(Rhyme problem)

Ahhh ... I feel for the goalie,
Marc-Andre Fleury.
Try getting hit 53 or more times in 1 night.
I know why he is cheering,
The end to all the beatings,
He is the MVP, that is only right.

Thank you for now I can turn in.
Resting before
The Penguins beat up the Red Wings
Once again!!

PS: Dear G Berry, GO PENS!

I Know you can hear Me

Go Boys, show them who is the King of Ice in Pittsburgh!!

They may wear red, but show the Red Wings some red!!

Deuce Four

On this day, the media flows with stories of courage and vigiliance. I can only think of only the guys of Beiger and Farah, Deuce Four, led by Lt Kurilla that successfully freed Mosul and Michael Yon.

Michael Yon, hat tip, brought the pictures and stories unfiltered into my life. Names like Lt Kurilla, Walt Maya and Beiger are part of my rolodex. Lt Kurilla, valour with no boundaries, who fought on while he bled from his gunshot wounds. Beiger, who cradled Farah, an image that need no words. Walt Maya, his fights described as heroic.

2 words, Thank you.

Booo!!

Okay, 2 posts ago I dared the Red Wings into shame. Erhm .... the Penguins are not helping.

Don't make me head over there to Pittsburgh with some "personal encouragement."

Come one boys, you look bad, played bad and the Detroit boys crushed you like an ant under my thumb.

My dogs can play better and he smells worse even after a shower.

My grandma can shoot better even after a few dozen shots.

My grandma can pass better even with a walker.

So shape up Penguins and make the games livelier with higher scores on your side of the board.
(And less likely for me to eat soap).

What a muddy mess!!

Guess who does the laundry?

Oh by the way ...

The latest fever has overtaken the house . . . despite the fact that we are in hostile territory.

Here is goes...

GO PENGUINS!!!!!!!!!!

SHAME THE RED WINGS!!!

What I miss ....

More than 10 years have flown by since my last genuine meal from Singapore.
Ahhhh .... the smell and taste of dishes only found in South East Asia.

As I told my cousin, a reason for residing here is my large backyard, capable of housing a pool and a vegetable garden. A yard large enough for all 4 dogs and too many kids. Even simple pleasures have a price. Thus if there are any Singaporeans within reach, feel my pain and well, brew up some mee siam for me.

Roxii

Roxii is doing great. She has blended into the family really well, maybe being the other black puppy helps too.



Her name arrived while George Michael was crooning "Roxanne", a little creativity, Roxii was born. At the tender age of four, her previous owners left her at the shelter, "Unable to take her to the new home." A spunky and energetic little girl, she ensures her pint size attention takes center stage in Mommy and Daddy's eyes.

Now we have another problem, lack of transportation. How in the world can we move all the kids at the same time?

Clearing the Air - Mission Accomplished

Hat tip to POTUS, he has taken the blame for too long. These are some details from a Navy Lieutenant aboard the USS Lincoln when President Bush safely landed his plane, and made the speech from flight deck with "Mission Accomplished" behind.

Lieutenant Paul Updike writes:


I thought you might like to hear the rest of the story that the media misinformed the nation about on what "Mission Accomplished" was all about.

My name is Paul Updike and I served aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln during the Iraq War. I would like to comment specifically about the controversy that surrounds the displaying of the "Mission Accomplished" banner during the time of the President's visit aboard my ship. It is my sincere hope that I will be able to clear up what appears to be a great misunderstanding about the true meaning behind the banner.

The "Mission Accomplished" banner was created to celebrate the return of the USS Abraham Lincoln to her home port in Everett, WA after an extended 11 month cruise. We were happy and proud to return to our families after such a long time away. The average cruise length for a naval vessel at that time was normally around 6 months. Our mission during Operation Iraqi freedom was accomplished with overwhelming success and thus this banner was created and proudly displayed to represent the USS Abraham Lincoln's individual accomplishments during the war. It certainly did not mean that the American mission as a whole had been accomplished in Iraq.

The media stationed aboard our vessel clearly understood the truth behind the banner yet fed the public a twisted version of this truth. I honestly believe that those opposed to the war saw an opportunity to spin the truth about the banner in order to attack the President. As an officer aboard the ship at that time, I found it to be hurtful and insulting that the media would use our specific accomplishments as a platform to attack our Commander-in-Chief. The President's visit to the USS Abraham Lincoln was a great honor to those of us serving aboard her at the time. It is shameful and reprehensible to see the tremendous spin that has been placed on this great event.
I was proud to serve my country and I will always support my Commander-in-Chief.
God bless America.

Yours very respectfully,
Paul Updike


Since the beginning of this blog, I have stood my ground that that media has been a firefox for the twisted truth, brainwashing the truth and failed in their ethics of true journalism. I took and oath as an engineer graduate to conduct everything I do with ethics, and stand by that oath. Journalist should take a similar oath to report only the truth, not the twist version. Dear screwed up media, "UP YOURS!"

May Already!!

Yes, time has flown by.
Months preparing for a 10 year old on a distant field trip paid off. A lesson we cannot teach our children is independance and self-reliance. So at the ripe age of ten, a trip to Chicago with the school friends became their reality. Successfully they returned home, (darn) with lessons learnt about life, city and Chicago, how to pack for a trip and most of all, listening to experience.

***********************************************************************************

Reasons why politics is not in our future:
1. we still have trouble with left and right
2. we cannot negotiate, I usually give things away (aka garage sale becomes a free for all), on the other hand he is the other extreme, he bargains too hard the buyers run away.
3. we have too much heart and not enough skin
4. I can deal with numbers, spreadsheets, databases but not Corruption
5. Text messaging is too hard for these old eyes, the screen is too small and it takes too long to say, "huh?"
6. no one will take us out for courtesy dinners, the dinner tab is more than their donation
7.we do not wear flip flops
8.our names cannot rhyme too well for nick names

Finally...
9. we cannot tell a lie (have to set an example to the kids)

Minority White

This picture is politically direct.

SMILE and get a doggie treat (or maybe 3, each)

Yeah they are not spoilt.

Don't they look like little Boy Scouts?

Aging

Yawn.
Yawn again.

Lately this seems to be the habit. Fatigue kicked in hard the last few weeks. Probably because this cool weather is getting weary.

A huge cup of Timmy's sound good too.
*wink.

The tulips peeked through the foliage of past fall. Birds chirp us awake with the earlier sunrise. While the wildlife returns to the backyard to signal the impending arrival of warm temperatures. Yes the deer have returned with bravery and vengence, to our backyards. Soon we will will be rolling up our sleeves, grabbing a shovel and "demining" the backyard. Erhm, 3 big dogs means 3 times the droppings to clear up.

Unfortunately no one has volunteered for cleanup duty.
Yet.

Catching up

Yeap time to catch up.

1994 Lillehammer, Finland, Olympic Games launched a superstar, at least in my book of accomplished athletes. Introducing, Phillipe Candeloro, known for his Godfather, D'Argatan, Braveheart, Rocky and many other routines. He is the only figure skater with Named routines.
Needless to say I had to see him in the flesh when he was in my proximity. Well I even got to touch him. More than anything else, my family and I relived history when Candeloro performed Olympic history with his Musketeers routine. Ahhhhh ... I was the loudest in the crowd with shouts of "BRAVO!! BRAVO!!"

(Pictures to follow)


To add more good news, another artist we adore is also coming to this side of the pond. My dearest George Michael will appear on the tele on Thursday. Above the tele appearance, GM will also tour North America. Maybe I can score some tickets close by too.

Oops!

*cracking fingers
*scratching head
*hmmmm
*blow off the dust from the blog covers

My apologies to those who eagerly check this site for updates. (*rolling on the ground, holding stomach, laughing and tearing.) My daily schedule begins too early and ends too late, leaving little or no time to venture to this keyboard. There are still opinions and thoughts, generated during the hour long daily commute. There are plenty of notes in the mental closet, which is at the brink of overload.

Note to self:
The next time ANY presidential candidates calls my house at dinner time, make sure to invite them for dinner. Nothing is more irritating and disruptive than the sound of the telephone during any family meal. So heed this voice, no mercy will be shown, regardless of the poll ratings if you interrupt my dinner again.

On the topic of Presidential Candidates, none qualified to be in my book of hopeful. All the candidates have not proven sufficient earnest and sincerity to sit on the Throne of the World. Nightly news coverage depict a race for a performance award, ala Oscar or a Grammy; the Oscar goes to the best performance for smear campaigns. Palely painted are the issues pertinent to the health of the economy, the end to terrorism, educational standards. Instead the flamboyant he said she said, race and sex have taken center stage instead.

Ronald Reagan will be shaking his head in dispair. The airways are filled with "Ending the War."
Never have I heard, "WINNING the war." Sure end the war with tails between legs, that is an open invitation to the psychotic Islamic fascists to continue their terror acts another 9/11, end the war without winning is telling the kids it is okay to go to school but not graduate.

"IF we don't fight for Freedom, some day we will tell our grandchildren how is was like to live Free." Ronald Reagan.

Another note to self:
This Winter has been a triple threat, length, temperature and volume. Here into the month of March, we are clearing off inches of snow in subzero temperatures. Amidst all the wraths of mother nature, emerged a few good things.
* 4 wheel drive RULES!!
* The dogs are rolling in the yard.
*The dogs are rolling in the yard and they do not smell.
*The kids are rolling in the yard and do not smell.
*The kids are making snow men and fortresses with little or no cleanup.
finally.... a good thing with inches of snow in the backyard....
*SADIE is rolling and rolling and rolling in the backyard and do not smell.

Another note to self:
Kudos to King Hussein of Jordan, your parents have raised you well. In the midst of a divided Middle East, you stood up for a cause that is not yours. Let me add to the pool of little praise you have received, *clap, clap. King Hussein have brought forth the need to end the strife in the Gaza Strip. For those who are oblivious of the happenings beyond borders, Palestine and Israel have been fighting over the Gaza Strip for too long, and the true reason for the conflict is long lost amongst time, people forgot why there started fighting in the first place. Terror groups like Hamas and Hezbollah find any reason to begin a battle, even if they are unaffiliated by a galaxy. Similar to the tune of Al-Qaeda, who took on PLO's name to justify 9/11. Until Yasser Arafat publicly condemned Al-Qaeda and castigated Osama for his actions and taking on an unrelated fight. King Hussein is a good neutral observer in the Middle East, warning the world about the dangers if the coalition withdraws from Iraq prematurely. This action will result in a collapse of a country that we have all sacrificed to help build, think of it as taking away the wood forms before the concrete fully dries and cure. Slowly help Iraq stand tall and strong as a democratic country before letting go her hand, warns King Hussein.

Have I forgotten about ....

So it appears uncharacteristic of me to remain almost silent during this tumultuous election season. Truth to the subject lies in the candidates, the media and well, the topics.

*None of the remaining candidates have any appeal or credibility to deserve further mention or consideration. Celebrity endorsement does not warrant the mental strength and earnesty to lead the world.
*Each night the airwaves are filled with cackling "political experts", a reminder of Rosie O'Donell and Elizabeth Hasselbeck exchange on "The View".
*Education has to be a pre-requisite to be a politician, yet the the utterings and mumblings from the podiums are mush of economic farse, flip-flop loyalty, and unoriginal. Hillary proposed economic ideals effective in other countries, keyword, OTHER COUNTRIES, unapplicable to the present economic system. Adam Smith is definitely frowning at the ramblings and "solutions" to the economy. I may not have paid much attention in Microeconomics or Macroeconomics, but I do remember Dr Goldberg,

"Any economy requires years to recover from a recession that only takes
months to vanquish a system. Pumping funds into the system is the way to stimulate the cycle, however the effect is delayed. Therefore the recovery efforts of the current administration will be stolen credit for the next administration."

In short the current Bush administration is undoing the Clinton fiasco, doing anything possible to recover, pumping stimuli into the economy. Unfortunately the hard work will be credited to the next tenant of the White House.

All the caucusus and polls are just overwhelming. The current numbers I am concerned about are the price of gas and the balance in my checkbook, probably similar to 95% of the world. So far the candidates have not proposed anything convincing worthy of my consideration.

We prefer Snow over Rain

Sure the Findlay Ohio Great Flood of 2007 is in the history books.
Looks like 2008 is making a head start, reminiscence of last summer, presently we are looking at high water, flood stages, level 3 emergencies, school cancellations, evacuations, blah blah blah.

Well.... here is an appeal to the higher power .....

ENOUGH RAIN ALREADY.

Why??

Here are the top ten reasons to have snow over rain:

1. Squeeging the basement floor is rather tedious after 2 days.
2. All that pounding rain makes sleep extremely difficult.
3. The kids are not in school.
4. Somewhere else in the world is a drought laden patch more deserving of all this moisture.
5. Erhm ... we have 2 new sleds to break in, we prefer snow over rain.
6. My car is clean enough, at least on the outside.
7. Really, the dogs do not smell too good when they have been rolling in the rain and mud.
8. We have a 20 pound bag of safety salt to use.
9.We can force the kids to shovel snow, but rain is beyond our creativity.

FINALLY ..... the Top Ten reason....

10. THE KIDS ARE NOT IN SCHOOL ..... THEY ARE HOME!!

*sigh.... sipping another cup of coffee. *wink.

Other possible reasons:
*At 30F, snow is more bearable than rain.
*It is more fun to plow through snow than rain in my 4x4 Jeep.
*I get to chase the kids out to the back yard, where they can build a snow fort.
*Really, the sight of Sadie rolling in the snow is a sight to behold.
*On the other hand, Sadie rolling in mud is horrifying.
*2 feet of snow is breathtaking, 2 inches of rain is just too much.

Still here

Oh yes we are still here, playing tag with the weather, teased with warm spring for 2 days then blanket us with 11 degree temperatures for weeks.

The daily commute continues with the 16 miles per gallon Jeep. But the 40 minute drive allows the mind to calm down and catch up on other issues and phone calls (way to go Bluetooth technology).

Mundane routine is slowly eroding to exciting anticipation to Spring, time when this family really wakes up. Inpatient for the flowers to emerge from the frozen soil and bask in their glorious fragrant beauty amongst the green foliage. When birds pick our cherry tree to nest their young while our young watch over them with intense curiousity. In due time, this chill will give way to the next course on the weather menu. We will have to rebuild or build another gazebo, for the kids to play cards. Drag out the pool and backyard toys. Oh yeah Spring will be here soon.

Be right back... time to water the houseplants.

Such a bad game

I am so disgusted by the bad play of the Steelers, I rather be building my own Mini-van online than watch the game. Just to tune out the disgust, I have headphones on too.

Sadly, my prediction for this weekend, Steelers will not win unless they play better as a team. Obviously they are failing pathetically.

Humming .... thinking of The Patriots.

My take, the Patriots will head to the Superbowl, just because there is fire fueled by selflessness and teamwork.

Husband and Wives store

Two new kinds of stores!
A new store that sells new husbands has just opened in Boston, where a woman may go to choose a husband.
Among the instructions at the entrance is a description of how the store operates: You may visit this store ONLY ONCE!

There are six floors and the value of the products increase as the shopper ascends the flights.

The shopper may choose any item from a particular floor, or may choose to go up to the next floor, but you cannot go back down except to exit the building!
So, a woman goes to the Husband Store to find a husband.

On the first floor the sign on the door reads:

Floor 1 - These men Have Jobs.
She is intrigued, but continues to the second floor, where the sign reads:

Floor 2 - These men Have Jobs and Love Kids. "That's nice", she thinks, "but I want more."
So she continues upward.

The third floor sign reads:
Floor 3 - These men Have Jobs, Love Kids, and are Extremely Good Looking.
"Wow," she thinks, but feels compelled to keep going.

She goes to the fourth floor and the sign reads:

Floor 4 - These men Have Jobs, Love Kids, are Drop-dead Good Looking and Help With Housework. "Oh, mercy me!" she exclaims, "I can hardly stand it!"

Still, she goes to the fifth floor and the sign reads:

Floor 5 - These men Have Jobs, Love Kids, are Drop-dead Gorgeous, Help with Housework, and Have a Strong Romantic Streak.

She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the sixth floor, where the sign reads:

Floor 6 - You are visitor 31,456,012 to this floor. There are no men on this floor. This floor exists solely as proof that women are impossible to please. Thank you for shopping at the Husband Store.

PLEASE NOTE: To avoid gender bias charges, the store's owner opened a New Wives store just across the street.
The first floor has wives that love sex.
The second floor has wives that love sex and have money.
The third, fourth, fifth and sixth floors have never been visited.

Salute!!

The Old Soldier

One sunny day in 2009, an old soldier approached the White House from across Pennsylvania Avenue , where he'd been sitting on a park bench.

He spoke to the Marine standing guard and said, "I would like to go in and meet with President Hillary Clinton."

The Marine replied, "Sir, Mrs. Clinton is not President and doesn't reside here."
The old man said, "Okay," and walked away.

The following day, the same man approached the White House and said to the
same Marine, "I would like to go in and meet with President Hillary Clinton".

The Marine again told the man, "Sir, as I said yesterday, Mrs. Clinton is not President and doesn't reside here."

The man thanked him and again walked away .

The third day, the same man approached the White House and spoke to the
very same Marine, saying "I would like to go in and meet with President Hillary
Clinton."

The Marine, understandably agitated at this point, looked at the man and
said, "Sir, this is the third day in a row you have been here asking to speak to
Mrs.Clinton. I've told you already several times that Mrs. Clinton is not the
President and doesn't reside here Don't you understand?"

The old man answered, "Oh, I understand you fine, I just love hearing you
say it!"

The Marine snapped to attention, saluted, and said, "See you tomorrow sir."

Snow day!!

A tragedy in the GWOT

As most of the kids in the free world wallow in their gluttony of Christmas receipts of gifts and everything they don't need, a sacrifice of a life only a few can understand.

My heart is broken at the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. Her political career has been carved in my life for a long time. A woman who stood against all odds and threats to be the first woman leader in a Muslim Country. Trust me this is no easy feat. Then to be chased away, against her will, mind you, advised that if she leaves her country her life is protected as opposed to remaining.

I cheered when she returned to Pakistan months ago, a move that will benefit the GWOT, the only woman who can aid in the GWOT. One of her qualities, she will not stand for oppression and terrorism. During her reign, she "cleaned" out the corruption, only to fall to false accusations. Sympathies to her son, his youth and his family tree works against him. Please God watch over this young man, whose views and motherly guide will lead him down a thorny path which will liberate a region from the throngs of evil.

Benazir Bhutto, thank you for your grace all these years, a kindness felt by many and feared by more. Watch over your children so they may continue your work.

Christmas else where

2007 creeps to a close.

We are catching our breaths from the long drives from home this Christmas. The long drive was a little under 4 hours long, of course I "shortened the drive time easily" on I-71 (yep 85 miles per hour of adrenaline). In the meantime, we (well I) scaled the gates at Heinz Field, almost got caught in the stadium, bought from street vendors, the girls got their first whiff of a fish market and much more. All in all we picked up some a lot of Steelers merchandise plus some 87 indicative of Sidney Crosby.

Many thanks to those who accommodated for us during our stay in Pennsylvania.
Our gratitude extends to those who put up with the little monkeys that tagged along too.

And now back home, we need a vacation to recover from the vacation. Phew! All the sorting out and putting things away etc.

All three Xmas trees are down and tucked away. We almost have the house back now.

Ahhhh .... on a different subject... the perfect, the only, PATRIOTS led by Papa Bear Belichek.

Merry Christmas

Nothing else can top this:


MERRY CHRISTMAS, MY FRIEND
‘Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,In a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone.I had come down the chimney, with presents to giveand to see just who in this home did live.

As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind,a sobering thought soon came to my mind.For this house was different, unlike any I’d seen.This was the home of a U.S. Marine.

I’d heard stories about them, I had to see more,so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.

He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.I soon understood, this was more than a man.For I realized the families that I saw that night,owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.

Soon around the Nation, the children would play,And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,because of Marines like this one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.

He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,“Santa, don’t cry, this life is my choiceI fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more.My life is my God, my country, my Corps.”

With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.

I watched him for hours, so silent and still.I noticed he shivered from the cold night’s chill.So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.

I didn’t want to leave him so quiet in the night,this guardian of honor so willing to fight.But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,said “Carry on, Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all secure.”One look at my watch and I knew he was right,Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.

©Copyright circa 1991 by James M. Schmidt(As printers in the December 1991 issue of the USMC magazine, Leatherneck)

Oh yeah it is here too!

For all those watching the news elsewhere in awe of the snowfall, trust me, it is here too.

A finely beautiful atmosphere that Singaporeans will never get back home - FREEZING your noses off shovelling feet of snow!!

Oh yeah the majesty of mother nature at her mightiest, scenic calendar worthy sights at the price of cold fingers, toes and achy backs. Nothing is like the first paralyzing blanket of snow here in the Midwest. This is one place you are really glad you paid through your noses for that gas-guzzling high insurance rated over kill on the accessories, otherwise known as the 4 wheel drive SUV.

Also this is the season where you get to play like a kid and get all wet but still don't get too dirty. Snow just brushes off your coats and Mom will always welcome you back into the house with a taste bud incinerator, you wont taste anything for the next 2 hours cup of hot chocolate with 3 times more marshmellows.

Oh yeah, this is the season when singing White Christmas is well, not just a dream.

This is definitely the season when we kick ourselves in the butt for not buying the snow blower in Summer when it was 50% off!

Sorry about the Steelers

This was a weekend of dread.... Patriots vs Steelers.

1. The game was blacked out on the local cable channels.
2. All the bars are packed to capacity.
3. I usually root for the Steelers, unless my Patriots are on the other side.

As predicted the Patriots brought it home to Papa Bear Belichek.

Ahhhh ..... the sweet smell of New England victory.

Brady - Lucky or Talented?

Who cares?

The Patriots narrowly missed their maker today. Brady is not the only member of the team, but overall the bean town boys brought it home to Daddy Belichek, again.

Oooohhh ... the next match up will tear this house apart....

Patriots and the Steelers.

Bring out the duct tape.

A Tragedy

Loss - something that is lost.

The floods of 2007 brought a lot of losses to families in Findlay Ohio.

Here at the close to the holidays, we question faith when "Loss" appear in the headlines.

A family who have fought it all and gave it all.

A family with a 4 year old who had just fought off cancer and still willing to help others.

Really question where God is and his reason. This is one of those things when I fail the test of faith.

Thanksgiving 2007

Thanksgiving is a little holiday smacked between Halloween and Christmas.
Over the years this day which is significant to America has eroded to commercialization of Christmas present giving. Forget about the Mayflower, Plymouth Rock, pilgrims or Indians.

I hope on my part, that I have bestowed the spirit and meaning to my children, Thanksgiving is about GIVING THANKS.

*We give thanks for family, immediate and distant.
*We give thanks for Liberty, to be able to celebrate this day in whatever fashion to our liking.
*We give thanks for technology, enabling us to navigate a route from an online search, easy hotel check ins, portable DVD players, fuel efficient cars, etc.
*We give thanks for the love we surround ourselves with and give to others.
*We give thanks for the material wants we surround ourselves with, which are needs to others.
*We give thanks in gifts.
*We give thanks in hugs.
*We give thanks in kisses.

*We give thanks in prayer.

Hopefully in a few weeks, we will remember to give thanks for Christ.

Recap

Yes I have reclaimed the computer!!

There are no lack of thoughts from the last 2 weeks. We officially have two Christmas trees on display, a white and the new PINK addition. The dogs have officially toppled the trees down countless times.

Someone went to the doctor's office on Thursday, first time in 4 years. Oh yes, the big baby is sick!

Something else to laugh about, my receipt at the gas pump. $15.00 for less than 5 gallons of gas. At this rate of fuel prices, Christmas will be really skinny.

We got the votes here

On this day November 4th, 2007,
We were declared .....

We are Number ONE!
We are Number ONE!
We are Number ONE!
We are Number ONE!
We are Number ONE!

What is the excitment about?

Beats me. I am in the same dream.

That is the King in a tree. Just a recap, it was the only ornament that survived the flood.

We are Number ONE!

Yes! We are the first on the block (Maybe state) to put up our Christmas Tree!!

Eat your heart out neighbour, because you are Number TWO!

Muahahaha!

Now I can watch the game in peace tomorrow!

Drum Roll

Colours of the trees named off as a jingle from the back car seat, red, yellow, gren and brown. Look at the different colours of the trees! Change of season is as obvious as our coats we dorn.

The season is changing to the chill.

Also with this change is the method of parenting, as we hit one in the pre-teen stage. From adorable to hostile and angry. Oh yeah, feel sorry for me.

But as far as I am concerned, it is the GAME this Sunday that matters.

History of First Ladies

Argentina wrote another page in history books, their First Lady, winning the presidential elections by a sweeping 44.9%.

Next on her plate as a female leader of any free country, her family will be scrutinized by her opponents. On the contrary, history showed oppressed and poor countries are brought into a breath of fresh air by women.

Corazon Aquino, Philippines. Her "Lapan" themed campaign freed the impoverished nation out of $2.00 per month sugar cane plantations under the filthy hand of Ferdinand Marcos.

Megawati Sukarnoputri, Indonesia, led her country out of corruption left from Suharto

Benazir Bhutto, first female leader of a Muslim Country.

Margaret Thatcher, Iron Lady. *curtsy to the dame.

The list continues.
The theme remains the same, her opponent will falsely accuse her husband or children of corruption or adultery.
Bringing another subject to light. In the event if Hillary Clinton becomes the president, her opponents will have a difficult task of falsely accusing her husband of adultery.

Things that make you go Hmmmm.

Football

Football was played in Wembley today, american football. Err.... most of the ticket holders were expat living in London. In short I do not think that American football will catch on outside the US, due to the competition from the other sports, the flambouyancy with the players and in some areas the cheerleaders are not welcomed. For example cheerleaders have been taken out of the rugby league in Australia.

Anyway that is little interest as the energy is all building up for the game of the year, the superbowl match before the superbowl, the clash of the titans, if you may have it.

For all the weeks there are 2 teams shining as the example of teamwork, experience and pure skill. I have a mental post it note for November 4th. All the other games have fallen to the wayside, like the road kill on the highway. Little matters anymore as most the games are predictable, at least I have been calling them right, if only I had put some money down.

Alas the game of the month - The Colts and The Patriots.

This is one game with a difficult call, the Patriots have the best teamwork. The best. The Colts have good leadership, Manning, with a good arm.

There will be alot of touchdowns and field goals. There will alot of screaming and cheering while the dogs run for cover as this crazy football fan jumps and begs the tv.

What else can top this game?
Hmm ... how about Joe Montana and Jerry "Fifi" Rice on the couch with us!! Just dreaming.

Halloween 2007

Pumpkins carved with intricate designs, candy out the whazoooo, costumes, more costumes and more candy, plus it was COLD!!!



Some wise guy in town decided to have Treat or Trick on Thursday instead of Oct 31. Why, probably because he does not have any kids or a scrooge.



Here are my pointers for this early Christmas in October,
1 . use power tools for carving pumpkins, TOO COOL.
2. All the candy we have at home, is nothing compared those that the kids have to beg for.
3. If the adults are dressed up, it will be less embarassing when other parents realized your kids were the ones begging for candy.
4. It is more fun frightening kids with your absurd make up.
5. You know you are good when the neighbour's little girl runs from you, when she usually runs to you.
6. Kids dont care what kind of candy you are giving out, it is okay to buy the cheap stuff.
7. The Burger King costume is pretty cool.

Oh yeah, this chest cold is the bummer.

PS: "Grandma" in PA, we need your email address.

Prison vs Work.

Thanks to my dear cousin, this is his take on work in liberty.

Prison –vs- Work
Just in case you ever get these two environments mixed up,

this should make things a little bit clearer.
@ PRISON
You spend the majority of your time in a 10X10 cell
@ WORK
You spend the majority of your time
In an 6X6 cubicle /office

@ PRISON
You get three meals a day fully paid for
@ WORK
You get a break for one meal and
You have to pay for it
@ PRISON
You get time off for good behavior

@ WORK
You get more work for
Good behavior
@ PRISON
The guard locks and unlocks all the doors for you @ WORK
You must often carry a security card
And open all the doors for yourself
@ PRISON
You can watch TV and play games
@ WORK
You could get fired for watching
TV and playing games
@ PRISON
You get your own toilet
@ WORK
You have to share the toilet with
Some people who pee on the seat
@ PRISON
They allow your family and friends to visit
@ WORK
You aren't even supposed to speak
To your family
@ PRISON
All expenses are paid by the taxpayers with no work required
@ WORK
You get to pay all your expenses to go
To work, and they deduct taxes from
Your salary to pay for prisoners
@ PRISON
You spend most of your life inside bars wanting to get out
@ WORK
You spend most of your time wanting
To get out and go inside bars
@ PRISON
You must deal with sadistic wardens
@ WORK
They are called managers

THERE IS SOMETHING SERIOUSLY WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE!!!!
Now get back to work
You're not getting paid to check e-mails.

Back on the political scene

This week witnessed the return of Benazir Bhutto. She accomplished a lot and re-wrote the political and society bylaws. Her father, an army colonel was assassinated by Peves Musharraf. In sweet revenge, Benazir won the first democratic election in Pakistan, ousting the military junta. Death threats and a military coup forced Benazir out of the country, perhaps it was her drive to end corruption in government. In attempts to ruin her political credibility, her opponents pinned false corruption charges on her cabinet and family.

The applause extends to her. A woman who legitimately won a democratic election, draped with only a sheer head scarf, wears pants, and told her nuclear bully neighbour to shove it. This is a great feat, especially for a Muslim country, Pakistan.

On the same subject, the recent traumatic massacre in Burma, or Myanmar rippled slightly in the international political scene. Aun Sun Su Kyi has been a prisoner in her home for the last 15 years. She too was the legitimate winner of the first ever democratic elections in Burma, however the military junta refuse to allow her succession. Over the years, she painfully stood for her country in the confines of her home in Rangoon, or Yangoon, held prisoner while her husband passed away in London, thousand of miles away. The atrocities in Burma has been concealed from the world. Soldiers attacking harmless monks, nuns and children. Burma's liberation is drawing near, the age of international media has brought attention to this tiny and forgotten country.

My take on the current run for the Presidency, I think Mitt Romney will prevail if he continues to feed his charm and avoids further discussions on gay marriage. Rudy Giuliani, as much as I adore him, does not have the aggressive punch, but will do great as running mate to Romney.

Hillary, just shut up already.

Week in review

The days of the week flew by like a speedster on the interstate.

This marks the fourth week of 30 minute commutes, the exception this week is the heighten sense of traffic enforcement.

*Tuesday: the interstate were lined with Sheriffs in the median, while Highway Troopers were zipping the lanes. Containers were pulled over and contents searched.

*Wednesday: Same number of black vehicles in the median and camouflaged garbed troopers filled the void. Travelling comfortably at 65mph on the right lane, I spotted a pair of cruisers marked Trooper in my rear view mirror. Unless they have changed the speed limit, I have nothing to FEAR! Flying towards my rear, I turn to check out the white vehicle on my left. Zip, he flew like a Flash - Gordan on a jet engine. His follower, well, slowed down next to me, turned to me, waved, smiled. Hello?? Of course I waved back and smiled. He whizzed off as fast as he appeared. Here is the charmer, both have clean- shaven heads and dressed in camo. In addition the first vehicle had a shot gun leaning on the passenger side window.

*Thursday: The roads are still safe from road rage, as the interstate were lined with prying eyes shielded in cruisers marked "State Trooper". During the last afternoon commute home, I sympathize the drivers of liquid tanks, because they had a pair of flashing lights behind them while they lined the shoulders.

*Friday: Morning commute, I think I have witness all the traffic re enforcement for the week, at least I thought I had. This morning, the flashers were following any transport of heavy equipment. A loader on your trailer - pull over. Is that a bobcat? Pull-over. Do I see construction equipment? PULL OVER! Is that a donut?? Pull OVER!!
During the homeward commute, south bound traffic on I-75 reached a standstill as Sheriffs made arrests. I was zipping past at 70 mph, watching a few drivers spread over the hood of a law enforcement vehicle.

I was just glad to hit the local traffic laden with 90 year old who cannot see the dash board in front of them, or little matchbox cars with too loud exhaust systems with top speeds of 40 mph. Traffic where they can hear you while you use special names.

*Saturday: Shopping. Shopping and more deals to be found. We found a great deal on 6 piece lauggage set for $40.00 instead of the $160.00 original sticker. Of course when we got home, R** said we should return for another set. Erh..... when are we going on vacation? Perhaps, where are we going?

Justice is almost served.

Over the years I have made alot of "cyber" friends, never met in person but respected anyway. Amongst them I was the nerdy sport loving military and political science enthusiast, in fact some have mistaken me for a well, a soldier. Hmmm.

Paul Berkley posted from overseas. Little coincidence that he associated with another cyber friend who rode the elevator daily together. Paul posted pictures and equations to challenge his readers, and if memory serves me right, has a impeccable diet for Goldfish crackers. Dear Paul was taken away by his insane wife during his R&R. A major loss to all who know him.

Justice is almost served. His wife and her accomplice are found guilty in a court of law, but fall shy of their deserving sentence of death.

The quick review

*We had an impromptu vacation in Columbus over the weekend during Grand Commandary.
*Drove another rental.
*Watched the game on Monday night between Cowboys and Bills, fortunately for the lack of overtime, I was getting tired.
*Getting ready for fall as the leaves turn amber around us.

Later.
Time to head to work.

Out from the old days

Amidst my daily boring schedule as bank and bus to the kids, an email flew my way. Originating from a old friend (age wise and time wise), simply phrased as "need help". Well, true to my honour, I was on my way in no time. The last week was split between 2 cities organizing data and making magic my way. In short I must have been an impressionable student to be called on to help by a mentor. (Or I must have been 1 hell of a student. Err ... I was.) Out from the old days, an irony, a modern email from an old friend.

All that driving has put a strain on my Jeep baby. At 7 years of age, the pampered one threw a overheated fit that rendered trips to the emergency shop. A Chevrolet Malibu courtesy of Avis ( I dread the final bill) filled in as the substitute horsepower. Familiarity breeds contempt, the more spacious brand new Malibu cannot challenge the good ole Jeep. The other driver in the house is smiling while driving because he is all stre---tc----hed out. I miss the Jeep because of the need for speed when I am trying to pass the trucks at 80mph on the Interstate!!

In short I told the shop to stop teasing me. Telling me the Jeep is ready, while I had to return hours later with the same problem. That is really really heartless to pick on a self-proclaim chief prankster. My parting words to the shop, "Bye. I hope I don't have to see you again soon."

There are 3 more days of work related driving this week, we shall test the workmanship of C & S Radiator Services.

3 more days this week to make the kind of magic that I am good at, I think.